Schoeps Mono Set CMC 6 with MK 22 Capsule

Schoeps Mono Set CMC 6 with MK 22 Capsule

The CMC 6 Microphone Pre-amplifier

The capsules of condenser microphones can't be connected directly to microphone cables or inputs; a microphone amplifier is required in between. Thus a complete microphone of the Colette series comprises any of the twenty available types of capsules combined with an amplifier. The CMC 6 U is designed for standard 48- and 12-Volt phantom powering. Its circuitry recognizes the supply voltage and adjusts itself automatically. Its performance characteristics remain essentially the same either way; mainly, the difference is that the current drawn at 12 Volts is greater than at 48 Volts. However, the 12-Volt mode consumes less power and might be preferred for battery-powered recording.

The microphone amplifier is responsible for providing the necessary electric charge to the capsule, without which it would be unable to generate a signal. Since the capsule's output signal is very weak (Hi-Z), it must be amplified. In order for the microphone's output to cleanly reach the next stage in the signal chain, it must undergo balancing and impedance matching before transmission. The CMC 6 incorporates a balanced, direct-coupled class-A amplifier, yielding a low output impedance, high RF shielding, and minimal distortion.

The MK 22 Open-Cardioid Capsule

The "Open Cardioid" pickup pattern was introduced by SCHOEPS in 2008. It lies between the classic cardioid and the wide cardioid, achieving both a fair amount of directivity and very natural sound quality. Many years' experience of professional recording engineers with the range of Schoeps cardioids has played a large role in the development process.

Meanwhile the MK 22 has become a preferred soloist and spot microphone, thus becoming an alternative to the "classic" MK 4.